If you went to Josh Coulson’s testimonial on Friday, you may well have bought a souvenir programme.

And if anyone was in any doubt of how popular the Cambridge United defender is, they need only have looked between the covers to become aware of the high regard in which he is held by anyone who has crossed his path – fans, team-mates past and present, coaches, directors, even the local media!

There were thousands of wonderful words from all of the above parties all fulsome in their praise of Coulson both as a player and a person – although a few also dwell on the size of his head! - as he marked his 10 years in the United first-team squad with a showdown against Tottenham under-23s.

But we have picked out a selection of passages from those who have spent time with or simply just watched Coulson and hope they sum up what he means to anyone with a connection to United.

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“When I arrived at Cambridge United, it was quite clear that within the group of players that here there was one particular person that stood out, one that epitomised the football club with amber and black seeping from his pores.”

“Every time I’ve seen him play he’s given everything for the club I love – including having the foresight to head that one over the bar against Manchester United in the cup so we got a replay and buckets of money.”

Head of performance Matt Walker

“Two things characterise Josh. The first is his ability to keep raising his performances when competition for his place comes in and the second is his ability to switch from the gentle giant off the pitch, happy to be with whoever he is talking to, and then be a tough no-fuss competitor on the field in training and matchday.”

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“He has dedicated his life, blood and sweat to a brilliant club and he has demonstrated the willingness to help each and every one of his team-mates if he was in the team or not!

“It shows how much he cares and he truly has made a big impact on the club he loves!”

Former captain Tom Champion

“We had a great understanding that mainly consisted of him holding me by a lead in the middle of the pitch and directing me wherever he wanted me to go! He was basically my puppet master for two years!”